Links to products used in my sewing space are in the description box! We receive a small percentage of the products purchased though links to Amazon for affiliate marketing. No items/products/tools of any kind in my sewing space were provided or sponsored by their companies.
Congrats on your “new” room. I couldn’t agree with you more that thoughtful planning is the key! My husband and I moved two years ago. I was planning on moving my entire sewing room into the new location. My hubby offered me the option of a completely new room using some of the proceeds from the sale of the house. “This is your once in a lifetime chance to plan your dream quilting room, so plan carefully”. OMG! Yes, my hubby is INCREDIBLE and I am so blessed! I spent MONTHS using the IKEA kitchen planner to set up my ideas. I went onto CZcams and viewed every studio I could. I talked to my husband about my ideas. I talked to my son (who is incredible with design) and my daughter in law who studied design in school. We tweaked and tweaked. Then I explained the use of each area to the cabinet people and asked for their input. They had one suggestion that we hadn’t thought of and it was a great one. I have been using my room for two years and wouldn’t change a thing, well except for a spot for a design wall (my room is a sunroom with lots of light, but only two wall areas being used for more important essentials). For now I have a portable wall that I assemble if i am making a large quilt, but am still thinking about the problem and possible solutions! Right now I am in the middle of quilting a king size denim quilt for my son and D-I-L so the room is a bit messy, but it is still my favorite room in the house!
I love that Connie, your grandparents eyeglasses. In my sewing room I have my mothers wooden sewing chair that fit underneath her sewing table and I have that sitting beside mine. Such comfort.
Goodness, I read glass eyes instead of eyeglasses! I thought that was very avant-garde, which is no bad thing, but I imagine the eyeglasses have a cosier effect 😊
Oh this is perfect!!! My sewing space is 5’x6’. I live in an RV and I removed the dining room booth/table and re-did the small space with a 2x4 fold table for cutting (also store things under it); my small sewing table; a 6 cubby Ikea shelf for fabric storage. I use scrapbooking storage boxes to store my projects in, stacking them 4 deep on top of the ikea shelf. I use a pegboard that leans against the wall for rulers, scissors, rotary cutters, etc. And I have a very small nightstand that’s forever in my way for thread, notions, etc. I have no design board persay, but pin my blocks to the sliding door black out drape to get some idea of what’s happening in my brain 😅. I dream of more space (no dedicated iron space to be found ANYWHERE 😢), but I’ve created (and free motion quilted 😵💫) I’m guessing about 30? Twin, queen and even king sized projects in this space since 2020.
Susan, I found the description of your crafting space so interesting. As I near retirement age I have been watching lots of RV and van-life channels. I very much enjoy crafting, so I have been wondering how I would find space for that in an RV or van. I’m encouraged that it sounds like you have been successful in doing that!
@@rmlrhonda yes, I think if you have a craft that you can tuck into a corner, it’s so valuable for your mental health. The space I use is tucked into the slide out and is pretty convenient.
You are so funny when you describe your sewing room! I know you appreciate it though! When our 4 kids were home I also sewed and cut out fabric at my dining room table. Now that we are empty nesters I’m fortunate to have a bedroom upstairs as my sewing room. Another bedroom is where our grands sleep when they stay over. I Bible journal with the grands at the dining room table now. Our supplies are in a cart that I can put away. I also have a scrapbooking room downstairs in our finished basement. There’s also a guest bedroom, a rec room and a bathroom downstairs. Our house is old but we’ve done a lot to it. Last year our project was the back yard which turned out beautiful! I feel so blessed!
When my kids were little, I used the floor for layouts and a card table in the porch for sewing machine. Interesting how things change at various stages of our lives.
Wow! So many sewing room makeovers look more like a shopping haul or evidence of multiple shopping hauls. This was so refreshing and helpful. I feel you were able to analyze the problems and solve them. I only wish you had kept the photos of the areas on screen long enough for me to study them.
I'm so happy for you🎉. My sewing space is in the process of reorganizing, too! I also want to say that it is so heartwarming to know that your husband is so supportive of your creative endeavors. You are blessed (and i'm sure you already know that) 😊
Thank you, Joni! How fun that you are redoing your sewing space as well! And yes, I'm very blessed and fortunate to have Paul! I wish everyone had that same fortune!
I bought an IKEA metal trolley, the smaller one that rolls away under a table. I added small hanging bins and one shelf has a wooden top, all from IKEA. Everything I need to hand is in it from wonderclips, one of magnetic pin keep, snips etc., scissors, markers. As it is magnetic I also bought big clips from IKEA (again!) that hold gloves, lint rollers. Curved hooks that hold small rulers with holes. It has changed my workspace and I can move it around. Yeah.
This video gives me the "feel goodies". I'm SO about organization and tidy workspaces, and it does induce the same feelings (I imagine) as a relaxation spa. My workspace is a small 3rd bedroom and though a little larger than yours, not by a lot. Thoughtful consideration and planning can turn any space into a functional yet peaceful experience. So while I have much larger spaces in my home, my workroom is my sanctuary and where I spend most of my days. I start my day here in calm meditation with coffee and catch-up on the latest CZcams videos. And sometimes, when I need a lift, just sitting here in the quiet and looking at all of my special "things" makes me so happy. I'm so happy you have this newly organized space and I hope it brings you those same good feelings!
Oh JB, I'm so glad that it made you feel good too!! Starting the day in an organized, happy sewing workspace with calm meditation and coffee (and YT videos) sounds like a delightful way to begin your day! I'm so glad to have you with me, and me with you in that space! ❤️
I love your new space. I also have a small sewing space located in my den with my family! They have learned to watch TV with the sound of the sewing machine. It helps that my 77 year old parents are pretty hard of hearing (they live with me and my husband). My husband knows it brings me joy and just tolerates it since he knows as a firefighter with a second job that he’d rather have me in the same room spending time with him while watching a football game than in another part of the house far away:). I just found & love your channel & have been binge watching! As a new quilter, I’m more of a crafter - a crocheter, knitter and my fav cross stitcher, I’ve only been a quilter for 5 months or so with only really 3 quilts under my belt but I’m addicted!! Quilting has helped me a ton, I’m disabled & I use all my crafts for pain control & to keep my mind sharp but quilting has really helped me with the sharpness the last year. My husband has been surprised at how much math he has had to sit down & go over with me & I was a bookkeeper for 20 years but with pain meds and pain 24/7 plus I had to leave my job in 2014 after the pain just got to be to much & your mind kinda crumbles on you so it is nice to get it back working again🤩. I do have a plan to make a quilt out of dress shirts, the only problem is I live in Wyoming and not many guys in Wyoming wear dress shirts so there are not many at the thrift store, my own husband only owns 1 and he only wears it for weddings, funerals or promotion interviews!! My Sister lives in Seattle so I may have to send her thrift shopping for me or wait til I visit this Summer. Sadly I’m not sure my sister even knows what a sewing machine is🤩
You make me smile! Why have I not seen you before? I see you’ve been on CZcams since 2013 and I’m annoyed that I’m only now seeing you. But, like my hubs and I always say, “nothing happens before it’s time” and “when it’s time, it will happen”! Thank you for making me smile. You’ve inspired me! I’ve been using my bedroom double as sewing room and the bed is so tempting! Now I’m going to carve out a corner for my “small sewing space”
Aww, thank you, Jeanne! ❤️ I've only been making videos since 2022, so you're really not late to the party! 😉 There would be no way I could sew in my bedroom (besides lack of space)---I would succumb to the temptation to lie down and then never get any sewing done! 😂😱 So glad I made you smile! Thanks for watching and commenting and I'm looking forward to seeing your name in the comment section on future videos!
Thanks for the tour of your updated space! It’s lovely and very calming. I hope you enjoyed your break, it’s so nice to have you both back on Fridays in my notifications! 🎉
Just found this video and I am so excited , you often see videos about these large sewing studio makeover but this is just real life !We have been married 43 years and I have never had a dedicated sewing space ! We have six children and all rooms were full , they’re all married now but 4 live away so still need bedrooms for when they come home! We have an enclosed porch off our living room that I dearly want to convert to my sewing space and you have given me a push to get it done , thanks !
Hooray! So glad this could be an inspiration for you! So many of us don't have the big studio space that we see in so many quilters/quilt pattern designers/fabric designers---and yet we still need to be able to do all those quilting tasks that give us joy! ❤️
Love this video and showing us real life. My 'sewing room, where no sewing occurs' 🙄is just about the same size.I relate to your comment that disorganization can suck the inspiration out of you. Thanks for the helpful tips and suggestions as this will serve us well.
I do believe the universe sent you to me today! 🙂As I've gone into this new year with hope for many things, one hope is to make my sewing room work for me instead of being in its usual state of disorganization and chaos! I truly dislike going into the room anymore, which you also related about your prior space = anxiety.😵💫 I have already formulated a plan just by listening to your video. I've set a goal by my birthday next month, 3 1/2 weeks to make a difference in my space! I know I will be much happier and perhaps even more productive as a result. Cheers to a new sewing year!🥂🪡🧵
Oh my goodness, thank you, anilovesmeemee! ❤️ What a great comment and compliment! I wish you all the success in tackling your sewing room--may it be such a blessing and restore your environment to a place that you want to be in and create in! 🤞🏻Thanks for watching and commenting! 🤓😊
Congrats on your new space! Met you for the first time in this video. 🥰 I’m a new empty nester & in the process of rediscover the joy from all my art projects & sewing. Since I was a teen I dreamed of a big open space for my project and I’m blessed with a huge Steelcase desk for sewing and the pool table for cutting. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm for the little things like colored pencils & heavy scizzors! My daughter is starting to see but needs to stay consolidated so I’m excited to help her set up. God bless you & your family!
I used to cut my fabrics out in the backyard on a cardboard folded quilt board. We are enclosing my very small, very tiny side porch, but it’ll be my room a real sewing room, a real creative room FINALLY my artistic crafty room.
Oh wow! I guess we all do what we have to do--and if that's cutting fabric in the backyard, then so be it! But CONGRATS on getting a room just for you for your quilting and crafts!!🤩 You will have a heart full of appreciation when you get your stuff in that space!!❤️
Congratulations on your makeover. Looks great. I never had a designate sewing until about 10 years ago. It is a guestroom, office, and mostly sewroom now. I have a Murphy bed where I have command hooks for my design wall. Drop leaf table for cutting and built-in desk for sewing. All of it folds up and rolls out of the way for guests. Works great.
Thank you for the video! I have wanted to make a quilt for myself for years but have never done machine sewing. As a child I did plenty of hand sewing and cross stitch. As an adult I found the beautiful art of bead embroidery and bead weaving. I am very aware of working in a space in which you need to pack everything up when you are done. I used to do my beadwork on a TV tray... So two years ago I went to a local sewing shop, bought a machine and took some sewing classes. My sewing room is also my beading room and storage room at 9x9. I would love to some day be able to organize it in a clean smooth workable space. Blessings, Erica
Thank you, Erica! ❤️ I think it is so challenging to have a small space and also multiple creative interests---it takes up so much space in our homes and in our brains, too! I hope you will get started on making that quilt for yourself---you won't regret it, so just jump in and do it! 🤓😘
I've not watched your channel before, but found this really helpful. I live in a small space: I am a knitter and spinner, and a would be sewer. I am in the process of de-cluttering, re-organising... this is helpful. Thank you.
I started with a Skarsta table but upgraded to a Flexispot electronic adjustable height table, because it goes lower than the Skarsta to allow me to have my overlocker at the right height. If you want to move your Skarsta tables around you can swap the feet for castors that can be bought as an accessory for the Flexispot desks for around 30 dollars, that way you could put the desks together if you need a really large cutting space.
Oooff, LadyGray! Those small spaces are a struggle, aren't they? And the smaller they are, the more thoughtfulness they require--at least that's been my experience!
@@TheCatBirdQuilts well, I HAD an actual sewing/crafts room, but then our son moved back home to live & work from home, so there went my sewing/crafts room AND our office! 🤷♀️
What a nice transformation. I have taken over the kitchen table. There is no other space for my sewing area. This video is timely. I’m trying to reorganize my little space and all the horizontal storage spaces. lol. That means the furniture in our living room. As an aside, I love the little block on your design wall. ❤🎉
I think l followed most of the video, the room is small but you chose furnishings that fit the space and allows you to do the work of sewing and quilting the way you like. You approach your work with minimalist design and keep visual clutter to a minimum. Nice job.
It looks lovely and so easy to work in. Small spaces can be great: everything is close to hand. I have found that Command hooks of all sizes and materials are a huge help. My snips hang on very small hooks just under the flywheel of my 2 sewing machines, always ready and they don’t fall off the table. I put up some pairs of larger one that hold fabric that I want to use but need to see it near the stash to let it play with other fabrics and my imagination. The picture hanging type hold up my design wall. And they won’t hurt your beautiful new paint. Thanks so much for your videos - even though I have many, many wips, I’m going shopping for shirts and eyeing my grandmother’s white linen tablecloth that we never use.
Thank you, Barbara! ❤️ And yes, small spaces can be great if it's done thoughtfully! I love your idea command hooks for snips and fabric! So smart!! Be warned: if you ever get started on shirts, you'll be hooked!😉
Thanks for sharing your space. We’d never have guessed how small it is. I know you are enjoying its revamp. Also, Paul does a great job with your videos.
Thank you, Dedra! And I know, right?! It looks SO much bigger on camera than it really is! 😱 I agree, Paul does a great job---his captions and photo inserts and general sense of humor make me seem SO much funnier than I really am! 🥰
Very inspiring to me! I am stuck in the hell hole of my sewing space and I'm not sure how to dig myself out, but perhaps I have a first step. For me it will be getting rid of a hand-me-down round table that I have used far too long as a cutting table. It's going out to the curb! At least then I can think about getting rectangle tables that may fit into a work triangle someday. I love that you have no music and speak clearly. May God Bless your channel and you💙
I'm sooo excited for you! Organization is a MUST in my world- especially in my creative world. I LOVE your new space. It's obvious that you put a lot of thought in to it and hubby put a lot of physical work into it. How wonderful to have a person in your life that supports your endeavors. Enjoy, my friend!
You are SO delightful! I am on the same wavelength as you regarding the tomato pin cushion. I have several of my mother's things that do not serve any purpose but bring me comfort and joy.
I empathize completely. My space is 7.5 feet wide and has two entrance ways, located diagonally from one another at opposite ends. It is longer than the space you have but very awkward to work in. I have spent about two years, working out a plan and redoing the space, but I am not done. So nice to see your achievement.
The triangle theory applies in the kitchen also: fridge, sink & stove. I too love using sheets for backing my quilts. It is so nice to have an inspiring space to create.
Yes! And the better laid out BOTH sewing spaces and kitchen, the more enjoyable and better both function---which is the whole point, isn't it? 🤓 Thanks for watching and commenting, Renee! ❤️
Good morning Cathy, I love your sewing space make over. You are so right the new color is very relaxing. Love your new cutting table, and cabinet for storage, great job! I also have a small space, it was my oldest sons room, which was my office when we were working from home, exercise room and now also my sewing room, it is a little busy, but when I am sewing all of those things are behind me, so I can pretend it’s only my sewing room 🥰 thank you for sharing with us!
Thank you, Debbie! I relate to turning away from the mess---at my sewing table I face my kitchen! 😱 I'm sure I don't have to tell you that I often choose sewing over cleaning! 😂
Looks wonderful. I have a large custom- built studio in my retirement home and I still got a couple of ideas I can implement immediately that will improve things. It is so easy to get used to your original setup and stop seeing room for improvement. (I have my large and small rulers on one of those racks and have added some so they don’t all fit well and it’s a constant shuffle. And my basting pins are in multiple small boxes in a drawer instead of one big jar on a shelf.). Those are things I can fix this afternoon! 😊
Love love love this Cathy❤️ what a great idea! I must confess to having a little bit of a scissors fetish too. I have my grandma's pinking shears, my mum's dress making scissors which I treasure. Then there's the other scissors and snips I've gotten over the years... And I totally get the sound of sharp scissors cutting through fabric 😂 Happy stitching in your new cosy quilting space xxx
Thank you, Kim!! I can totally see how your grandma's pinking shears and your mum's dress-making scissors would be SUCH a treasure! And THANK YOU for "getting" the scissors sound--I feel seen! ;)
This is so nice following the way you are growing as a quilter!. This was me 30 years ago. Now I have California closets on one wall. And shelving you would have in you garage on another wall. And I need to arrange again. On the other wall. More shelves. Love it. But still needs cleaning up. Have a great day. Hugs from Tampa.
Aww, thank you, Laura! ❤️ It's funny how with every new stage (of our quilting journeys) new things are required: totes for fabric storage, shelves, a new table, etc! One day maybe I'll have a whole room of my own!
Lorna, me either!! Initially I was like, "well I already have scissors" and then I used them!! Whooo-eee---it is a delightful experience cutting those shirts now! ❤️
The IKEA trolley is the Rashult . It is smaller than the Raskog. The wooden tops for each level are in the same department. I use them for the lower levels not the top one. The heavy duty magnetic clips I use to keep my gloves and lint roller are in the kitchen department as are the solid plastic hanging bins.
Wow, great minds think alike. (lol) I am redoing my sewing space as well. Very slowly, but putting a lot of thought about what I want close, and what I can store elsewhere, what kind of storage works best, drawers, shelves, whatever. At this point it is the storm before the calm. I still have so much to go through and organize. Sometimes I sit in my chair and daydream, and then try to decide if it makes sense. Good thing I am the only one to use my space. Breathe deeply!
My first time watching one of your videos! I am very new to quilting. I smiled and laughed from the Guggenheim shears and scissors to IKEA furniture to thrifting sheets for quilt backs, and ziplocs. These things just make sense. Thank you for sharing a view of your sewing space with us.
Great job on your space! 2024 is the year for me to declutter (see Karen at Just Get It Done Quilts), reorganize and be honest about my jewelry making supplies, various art supplies, other crafts and of course my sewing stashes. Space is finite and I only have so much time on earth, so something has to give. I am finding it liberating when I find space after decided that a particular craft doesn’t interest me anymore, or de-stashing a drawer, or my new, more convenient way to store fabric. Slow going but my goal is to eventually be as happy as you are with my sewing space.
Nothing like seeing someone else's space to remind you to update your own, right?! We recently watched a home makeover show and I think that's what got the ball rolling for me! 🤓
Happy New Year! I love the new wall colour. To me, it has a warm, pink undertone, very flattering. I am a little jealous of the new space organization. I can see it sparks joy! Beautiful organization and beautiful tools are so inspiring.
Happy New Year to you, too, Diane!❤️ It's easy to feel envious, but I promise you, it still has it's challenges--like, for example, sitting at my sewing machine looking into the kitchen and wondering why I didn't clean it up when I messed it up!! 😉😱😂
@@TheCatBirdQuilts LOL. Don't I know that. Sometimes you gotta shut it out and do what you want. Soon enough our hands become arthritic and our eyesight dims. So, play while you can. Have fun. Be balanced.
I love it..I sew in a 4 x 6 closet...it evolved over time with the help of my husband who installed floor to ceiling shelves on 2 walls..found a broken counter top in the trash at home depot..they sold it to me for 5$..he cut it to size and put it on a wall for my sewing machine...I cut at a card table in the room that the closet is in..I bought a computer chair at a used furniture store for 10$ and can turn around and reach anything I need in my "sewing room"..I made a small ironing table from a folding table and it fits under a shelf...it all works for me...I am working now on a string quilt made from mens shirts that has taken me 2 years to collect..mostly plaids and stripes..collected from my son and husband..I made the last block yesterday..on to next step now..love your new room and your videos!
Thank you, Rainstorm! I love the description of your "sewing room" and it just goes to show that even very small spaces can work beautifully if they are thoughtfully considered!!
So glad I found you! I have been sewing/quilting since I was a child and all along the way I've been buying and using clothes made from beautiful fabric (like the Liberty of London blouse I just bought for $5) that I've bought in thrift stores, at tag sales etc! Love your channel and what you're doing 🥰😍
❤️🥰What a wonderful gift for such a creative person-a place that works and inspires creativity! Your family hit a home run with their thoughtful gift. I’m glad they had your input and help since these spaces are best when personalized to the person using them. I know your heart is full and your sew-jo is working overtime! Love that! 👏🏼👏🏼
Love how you've arranged & improved your creative space. My sewing area is tiny like yours and stuffed to the gills! I recently got some shelving/bookcases which have helped but am really looking forward to summertime when I can take them outside to paint them to match the walls so that they don't visually clutter things up so much. Thanks for the inspiration and affirmation that it is worth spending time on one's environment.
Thank you, K! It really makes a difference removing that visual clutter---and I know exactly what you mean about painting shelves to match the walls! 🤓 Once that is done you'll be so relieved and enjoy your space so much more! ❤️ Thanks for watching and commenting!
My area is just inside the front door in a small alcove, 6’ by 9’ with my sewing cabinet facing a large window to the front yard. It’s small but I’ve made it work for almost 11 years now. Thank you for your additional tips.
I’m set up in my front entrance hallway with a folding table and my new to me “Brother Dream machine”. This is where I’ve been sewing for the last 6 months. have a very large room upstairs that was supposed to be my sewing room. It is just a storage room for fabric & sewing supplies. I need to start emptying the room and make it truly my sewing room. Thanks for the inspiration.
Kathleen, let this be your inspiration to get that room cleared out and ready for use! The sooner you get it done, the sooner you can be truly settled in your happy sewing place! ❤️🤓 (I wish I had done mine earlier!!)
Congratulations. I’m sure this new design will bring you much joy in your work! What a treat to come home and have someone else have painted for you! PS - I have switched to sheets for backing and LOVE it!
I also got a bedroom that is hardly ever used turned into my sewing room. We also live in a modest home, so my sewing space was the dinning room table. My sweet husband constructed a sewing table from a desk we have had since seminary days .( 1984). I now call this bedroom ( yes we bought a trundle bed and got rid of the old dresser n bed) I have pics of my art, my 5 yr old photo, a tree of hands I painted with all our grandchildren on it and a beautiful painting a friend gave me. I created a triangle as well. I spent 20$ at a thrift store with sheets for backing, I think it’s about 10 yds worth! I call this my “My happy place.” This morning my sweet husband sent me a text and told me to enjoy being in my happy place! 😊 So enjoy your happy place!
Wow! Great job on the make-over and making the most of the space you have. I can see and appreciate how wonderful it is to have it beautiful and functional. May this new year be a joyful and productive one for you!
Good for you Cathy! You’re motivating me to go clean up my sewing room! I have a pair of those Guggenheim scissors and they are fabulous!! I also have a pair of their snips and I love them ❤ They have a lovely loop at the handle so they hang on a little command hook to my right just underneath the top of the sewing desk. Love it!
Thank you for this video, I appreciate your thoughts and find it inspiring. Especially, in the way you embraced and maximised the amount of space you have rather than trying to find or longing for a bigger one. I have a perspective on small space sewing that might interest you. Every three months, I rotate living on a 57ft long x 6ft wide narrowboat travelling the English canal system, with exploring Europe by road in a campervan. Whilst travelling in the boat, I sew with a machine and in the van, I sew by hand. There is something very empowering and freeing, sewing in such restricted spaces. I take pleasure in the systems I have created and oddly, I find the required discipline brings me peace of mind. So for me, not only is the space always small, but it is also only intermittently available. When it isn't I use this time to plan, work out patterns ( getting my husband to check the maths), play with colour, to look at quilt exhibitions online, and not least to watch CZcams video about quilting. Lastly and funnily, when I return to our tiny boat it feels enormous, like a palace - just proving our perception of space is all relative.
Thank you, Trish!❤️ And YES, I DID find your perspective interesting--and also inspiring! What a wonderful approach and perspective, and also a reminder that contentment is not dependent on external circumstances but internal gratitude and the meaning/purpose we assign to our lives.🤓😊❤️
I came across one of your video's yesterday and I can't stop watching you! I love how you thrift and break the price down for us sewest (new word for me). You said you're from the south. I was wondering where. I'm in Texas. My favorite thrift store is the Salvation Army on half price day😊.
Love, love , love!! I am a kitchen table quilter but hoping that changes this year! It’s good to hear you like your new scissors, I ordered a pair the other day but haven’t had time to try them. Thank goodness your back!! ❤
Loved your video. Very motivating to those of us who have small spaces . You are very funny and very smart i am sure. You are the only one however who could say "scissor scissors " and that other "d" word that i cannot remember in th same conversation.😂 Love the editing. Enjoy your happy place.
Thank you, Deborah! I'm glad you enjoyed the video (and the captions that my husband adds!) And yes, "scissor scissors" and "detritus" in the same vocabulary and conversation is 100% me!! LOL
Really enjoyed how you explained the transformation of your workspace. I live in the Netherlands in a small townhouse. I have one spare bedroom for dressing myself, having the granddaughters sleep in and do my sewing. It’s about 8 x 10 feet wide. Thank goodness we have IKEA too 😀. I love my happy place, and you make work what’s possible. The quilts are just as pretty when made with pleasure and love 😊.
Thank you, Marie! ❤️ And yes, I think we are all grateful for IKEA! "You make work what's possible"--yes yes yes!! I couldn't agree more. Here we say, "Where there's a will, there's a way!" Thanks for watching and for commenting and I agree wholeheartedly: quilts made with pleasure and love are so very beautiful!
Happy New Year! Love the new "peaceful neutral" wall color and your fun inspirational items (art and clothes pin doll) on your new shelf placement! ❤ 🙂
Thanks, Cathy - enjoyed your video immensely! This was my first time watching and I've subscribed as I anticipate additional time spent with CatBird Quilts! You have definitely made this space your own and it's lovely. Excited to see what you will be working on this new year.
I completely understand the small workspace. I use a lot of pegboards and literally wall to wall built in desks. My sewing room is just over 5ft by 8ft (so the shorter length of your room is the longer side, and the shorter is just a bit longer than your wingspan). Utilizing vertical wall space has really been the key to optimizing my space. I have built in desks on 3 of the walls with an office chair in the center that I can just turn to use the different surfaces. I had other desks in here previously, but like you I had to start over from the ground up. I have a lot of plastic drawer storage with labels, and shelving that they sit on. anything that I need regularly is within arms reach of my chair, so there are some major benefits to such a small space, but the down side is if I have very large pieces I need to cut, I still have to take them to the dining room table. I do love the neutral of your room. I went with more on the grey side, but still very neutral. I think it's really nice to have your calm color in your work space.
Loved your video and your improvements to your sewing area. Especially loved how excited you were about your space. I have a TINY bedroom for my sewing room and wouldn’t trade it for anything. I need to use some of your solutions to better organize my space. Thanks so much.
Yay!!! What a wonderfully thought out, functional, creative-inspiring, calm, and organized sewing space! I’ve slowly been catching up with your videos because I’ve been very busy decluttering and organizing our whole house and my sewing space (my oldest daughter’s bedroom, just a smidge bigger than your space) as well. I was so tired of seeing so much visual clutter everywhere and I really wanted to clear things out and organize things so that I could “breathe” and enjoy housekeeping and being creative in a calmer space. I still need to paint the walls in my sewing room, (they’re currently a Winnie-the-Pooh golden honey yellow) and, because my furniture, etc. is neutral, I love the neutral paint color idea too. Sadly, neither my mother or grandmothers sewed so I only have my almost 50 year old (I started sewing when I was a teenager ☺️) tomato pincushion and I’ve brought it out and set it next to my sewing machine as a reminder of how far I’ve come in my sewing journey. Thank you for reminding me to cherish precious memories even if they’re just my own. Looking forward to all the next videos that I need to catch up with!!! Have a wonderful week and weekend!
Thank you, Rhonda! ❤️ It sounds like you and I are in the same headspace---I need to do to the rest of my house what we've done to my sewing space! It makes me so happy that you've pulled out your tomato pincushion! 😊 Just remember, your daughter now has a legacy of a mother that sews---so in your family, you're the start of it! 😘🥰🤩 What a gift!
Thank you for the wonderful video! I hadn't fully watched it and I was putting together a new sewing space! My space will be about the same size as yours. I loved everything about this video and will definitely put your suggestions to use. Stay blessed!
Oh thank you, Deborah! ❤️ I'm glad it was helpful and good luck and congrats on YOUR new sewing space!! Thank you for the blessing and right back to you! 😘
I've had a pair of Gugenhein shears and a pair of scissors for about 3 years now and they are an absolute joy! I bought pairs for my niece and great niece who have sworn that we will have to pry them from their cold, dead hands, lol!
Links to products used in my sewing space are in the description box! We receive a small percentage of the products purchased though links to Amazon for affiliate marketing. No items/products/tools of any kind in my sewing space were provided or sponsored by their companies.
Hi Cathy,
The shallow drawer storage cabinet is not in the description. Can you let us know where you got it? Thx.
Looks great. I'm so glad that your space is more efficient for you. What is your paint brand and color? Thanks
@@GrandmaP10 it is also IKEA! “Alex” is the drawer unit. Sorry I missed that one!
@@amydement. thanks, Amy! It is “Intellectual gray” by Sherwin-Williams; bought at Lowe’s. 🤓👍🏻
Do you have links for your lights? Great space!
Congrats on your “new” room. I couldn’t agree with you more that thoughtful planning is the key! My husband and I moved two years ago. I was planning on moving my entire sewing room into the new location. My hubby offered me the option of a completely new room using some of the proceeds from the sale of the house. “This is your once in a lifetime chance to plan your dream quilting room, so plan carefully”. OMG! Yes, my hubby is INCREDIBLE and I am so blessed! I spent MONTHS using the IKEA kitchen planner to set up my ideas. I went onto CZcams and viewed every studio I could. I talked to my husband about my ideas. I talked to my son (who is incredible with design) and my daughter in law who studied design in school. We tweaked and tweaked. Then I explained the use of each area to the cabinet people and asked for their input. They had one suggestion that we hadn’t thought of and it was a great one. I have been using my room for two years and wouldn’t change a thing, well except for a spot for a design wall (my room is a sunroom with lots of light, but only two wall areas being used for more important essentials). For now I have a portable wall that I assemble if i am making a large quilt, but am still thinking about the problem and possible solutions! Right now I am in the middle of quilting a king size denim quilt for my son and D-I-L so the room is a bit messy, but it is still my favorite room in the house!
Thank you, Linda! And your room sounds AMAZING!
Maybe you could put it on the inside of a curtain and use velcro or something in the corners 😄 🤷♀️
It’s just perfect Cathy. 😊 I have my grandparents eyeglasses on my shelf so they can “watch” me work.
Thank you, Connie! ❤️ And I LOVE that! 👓🤓
I love that Connie, your grandparents eyeglasses. In my sewing room I have my mothers wooden sewing chair that fit underneath her sewing table and I have that sitting beside mine. Such comfort.
Goodness, I read glass eyes instead of eyeglasses! I thought that was very avant-garde, which is no bad thing, but I imagine the eyeglasses have a cosier effect 😊
@@eclecticcode 😂
. lol😂
Oh this is perfect!!! My sewing space is 5’x6’. I live in an RV and I removed the dining room booth/table and re-did the small space with a 2x4 fold table for cutting (also store things under it); my small sewing table; a 6 cubby Ikea shelf for fabric storage. I use scrapbooking storage boxes to store my projects in, stacking them 4 deep on top of the ikea shelf. I use a pegboard that leans against the wall for rulers, scissors, rotary cutters, etc. And I have a very small nightstand that’s forever in my way for thread, notions, etc. I have no design board persay, but pin my blocks to the sliding door black out drape to get some idea of what’s happening in my brain 😅. I dream of more space (no dedicated iron space to be found ANYWHERE 😢), but I’ve created (and free motion quilted 😵💫) I’m guessing about 30? Twin, queen and even king sized projects in this space since 2020.
Oh and how could I forget…the cat blanket under the window ON the table space since both of them insist on laying there! 😵💫
Susan, I found the description of your crafting space so interesting. As I near retirement age I have been watching lots of RV and van-life channels. I very much enjoy crafting, so I have been wondering how I would find space for that in an RV or van. I’m encouraged that it sounds like you have been successful in doing that!
@@rmlrhonda yes, I think if you have a craft that you can tuck into a corner, it’s so valuable for your mental health. The space I use is tucked into the slide out and is pretty convenient.
Thank you, Susan! And what the description of your sewing space tells me is this: where there's a will, there's a way!!
@@TheCatBirdQuilts that’s the truth!
You are so funny when you describe your sewing room! I know you appreciate it though! When our 4 kids were home I also sewed and cut out fabric at my dining room table. Now that we are empty nesters I’m fortunate to have a bedroom upstairs as my sewing room. Another bedroom is where our grands sleep when they stay over. I Bible journal with the grands at the dining room table now. Our supplies are in a cart that I can put away. I also have a scrapbooking room downstairs in our finished basement. There’s also a guest bedroom, a rec room and a bathroom downstairs. Our house is old but we’ve done a lot to it. Last year our project was the back yard which turned out beautiful! I feel so blessed!
Cathy, you are so blessed! ❤️ What a wonderful gift to have the space that you want/need to do what makes you happy!
When my kids were little, I used the floor for layouts and a card table in the porch for sewing machine. Interesting how things change at various stages of our lives.
Wow! So many sewing room makeovers look more like a shopping haul or evidence of multiple shopping hauls. This was so refreshing and helpful. I feel you were able to analyze the problems and solve them. I only wish you had kept the photos of the areas on screen long enough for me to study them.
Your joy is palpable and makes me happy too.Your husband really gets you!! I have used sheets many times for backings and no probs.Enjoy😊😊😊😊
Thank you, Giselle! ❤️ And yes, he does!! 🥰
As a viewer, I am pleased with the lighting change. It's much easier to watch your videos because the light is properly balanced.
I'm so happy for you🎉. My sewing space is in the process of reorganizing, too! I also want to say that it is so heartwarming to know that your husband is so supportive of your creative endeavors. You are blessed (and i'm sure you already know that) 😊
Thank you, Joni! How fun that you are redoing your sewing space as well! And yes, I'm very blessed and fortunate to have Paul! I wish everyone had that same fortune!
I bought an IKEA metal trolley, the smaller one that rolls away under a table. I added small hanging bins and one shelf has a wooden top, all from IKEA. Everything I need to hand is in it from wonderclips, one of magnetic pin keep, snips etc., scissors, markers. As it is magnetic I also bought big clips from IKEA (again!) that hold gloves, lint rollers. Curved hooks that hold small rulers with holes. It has changed my workspace and I can move it around. Yeah.
Sounds great! I wish you could attach a picture because just yesterday i was thinking i need something like this.
MiDo, I thought the same thing!
I love that idea, Sue!! 🤩
If you can’t attach a picture, can you tell us the ikea name of the product?
This video gives me the "feel goodies". I'm SO about organization and tidy workspaces, and it does induce the same feelings (I imagine) as a relaxation spa. My workspace is a small 3rd bedroom and though a little larger than yours, not by a lot. Thoughtful consideration and planning can turn any space into a functional yet peaceful experience. So while I have much larger spaces in my home, my workroom is my sanctuary and where I spend most of my days. I start my day here in calm meditation with coffee and catch-up on the latest CZcams videos. And sometimes, when I need a lift, just sitting here in the quiet and looking at all of my special "things" makes me so happy. I'm so happy you have this newly organized space and I hope it brings you those same good feelings!
Oh JB, I'm so glad that it made you feel good too!! Starting the day in an organized, happy sewing workspace with calm meditation and coffee (and YT videos) sounds like a delightful way to begin your day! I'm so glad to have you with me, and me with you in that space! ❤️
I love your new space. I also have a small sewing space located in my den with my family! They have learned to watch TV with the sound of the sewing machine. It helps that my 77 year old parents are pretty hard of hearing (they live with me and my husband). My husband knows it brings me joy and just tolerates it since he knows as a firefighter with a second job that he’d rather have me in the same room spending time with him while watching a football game than in another part of the house far away:). I just found & love your channel & have been binge watching! As a new quilter, I’m more of a crafter - a crocheter, knitter and my fav cross stitcher, I’ve only been a quilter for 5 months or so with only really 3 quilts under my belt but I’m addicted!! Quilting has helped me a ton, I’m disabled & I use all my crafts for pain control & to keep my mind sharp but quilting has really helped me with the sharpness the last year. My husband has been surprised at how much math he has had to sit down & go over with me & I was a bookkeeper for 20 years but with pain meds and pain 24/7 plus I had to leave my job in 2014 after the pain just got to be to much & your mind kinda crumbles on you so it is nice to get it back working again🤩. I do have a plan to make a quilt out of dress shirts, the only problem is I live in Wyoming and not many guys in Wyoming wear dress shirts so there are not many at the thrift store, my own husband only owns 1 and he only wears it for weddings, funerals or promotion interviews!! My Sister lives in Seattle so I may have to send her thrift shopping for me or wait til I visit this Summer. Sadly I’m not sure my sister even knows what a sewing machine is🤩
You make me smile! Why have I not seen you before? I see you’ve been on CZcams since 2013 and I’m annoyed that I’m only now seeing you. But, like my hubs and I always say, “nothing happens before it’s time” and “when it’s time, it will happen”! Thank you for making me smile. You’ve inspired me! I’ve been using my bedroom double as sewing room and the bed is so tempting! Now I’m going to carve out a corner for my “small sewing space”
Aww, thank you, Jeanne! ❤️ I've only been making videos since 2022, so you're really not late to the party! 😉 There would be no way I could sew in my bedroom (besides lack of space)---I would succumb to the temptation to lie down and then never get any sewing done! 😂😱 So glad I made you smile! Thanks for watching and commenting and I'm looking forward to seeing your name in the comment section on future videos!
Thanks for the tour of your updated space! It’s lovely and very calming. I hope you enjoyed your break, it’s so nice to have you both back on Fridays in my notifications! 🎉
Aww, thank you so much! ❤️ I'm glad to be back!
Wow! I love your "new" space. The wall color is so calming. Sometimes small is better, especially when it is well thought out.
Thank you, Kim! ❤️ And I agree--there is such a thing as "too much space" in my opinion!
An old dresser, especially on wheels, can make an awesome ironing station for small spaces.
Hahahahaha! Way more scissory than scissors! I love this.
Emi, right?!? My husband's captioning is hilarious and makes me laugh every time! 😂 Thanks for watching and commenting!❤️
Very thoughtfully arranged and organized sewing space. Enjoy sewing 🧵
Thank you so much! ❤️
Just found this video and I am so excited , you often see videos about these large sewing studio makeover but this is just real life !We have been married 43 years and I have never had a dedicated sewing space ! We have six children and all rooms were full , they’re all married now but 4 live away so still need bedrooms for when they come home! We have an enclosed porch off our living room that I dearly want to convert to my sewing space and you have given me a push to get it done , thanks !
Hooray! So glad this could be an inspiration for you! So many of us don't have the big studio space that we see in so many quilters/quilt pattern designers/fabric designers---and yet we still need to be able to do all those quilting tasks that give us joy! ❤️
Love this video and showing us real life. My 'sewing room, where no sewing occurs' 🙄is just about the same size.I relate to your comment that disorganization can suck the inspiration out of you. Thanks for the helpful tips and suggestions as this will serve us well.
Thank you, MaryBeth! You know I'm all about the real life! But YES, when it gets too messy it's almost impossible to make progress sewing! ❤️
I do believe the universe sent you to me today! 🙂As I've gone into this new year with hope for many things, one hope is to make my sewing room work for me instead of being in its usual state of disorganization and chaos! I truly dislike going into the room anymore, which you also related about your prior space = anxiety.😵💫 I have already formulated a plan just by listening to your video. I've set a goal by my birthday next month, 3 1/2 weeks to make a difference in my space! I know I will be much happier and perhaps even more productive as a result. Cheers to a new sewing year!🥂🪡🧵
Oh my goodness, thank you, anilovesmeemee! ❤️ What a great comment and compliment! I wish you all the success in tackling your sewing room--may it be such a blessing and restore your environment to a place that you want to be in and create in! 🤞🏻Thanks for watching and commenting! 🤓😊
Congrats on your new space! Met you for the first time in this video. 🥰 I’m a new empty nester & in the process of rediscover the joy from all my art projects & sewing. Since I was a teen I dreamed of a big open space for my project and I’m blessed with a huge Steelcase desk for sewing and the pool table for cutting. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm for the little things like colored pencils & heavy scizzors! My daughter is starting to see but needs to stay consolidated so I’m excited to help her set up. God bless you & your family!
Thank you, Sonja! It's nice to meet you and I'm glad you found me! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
I used to cut my fabrics out in the backyard on a cardboard folded quilt board. We are enclosing my very small, very tiny side porch, but it’ll be my room a real sewing room, a real creative room FINALLY my artistic crafty room.
Oh wow! I guess we all do what we have to do--and if that's cutting fabric in the backyard, then so be it! But CONGRATS on getting a room just for you for your quilting and crafts!!🤩 You will have a heart full of appreciation when you get your stuff in that space!!❤️
So happy for you💕. To have any sewing area is a blessing.
Thank you, Donna! And that is SO true---I've had times with no sewing area and I am very lucky to have the space I have now!❤️
Congratulations on your makeover. Looks great. I never had a designate sewing until about 10 years ago. It is a guestroom, office, and mostly sewroom now. I have a Murphy bed where I have command hooks for my design wall. Drop leaf table for cutting and built-in desk for sewing. All of it folds up and rolls out of the way for guests. Works great.
Your joy just shines ! Hope you continue to enjoy your space!
Aww, thank you, Angela! ❤️
lovely space so calming you are so lucky to have a Paul ! xx
Thank you, Marlene! ❤️ And yes, SO lucky to have Paul!
Thank you for the video!
I have wanted to make a quilt for myself for years but have never done machine sewing. As a child I did plenty of hand sewing and cross stitch. As an adult I found the beautiful art of bead embroidery and bead weaving. I am very aware of working in a space in which you need to pack everything up when you are done. I used to do my beadwork on a TV tray... So two years ago I went to a local sewing shop, bought a machine and took some sewing classes. My sewing room is also my beading room and storage room at 9x9. I would love to some day be able to organize it in a clean smooth workable space.
Blessings, Erica
Thank you, Erica! ❤️ I think it is so challenging to have a small space and also multiple creative interests---it takes up so much space in our homes and in our brains, too! I hope you will get started on making that quilt for yourself---you won't regret it, so just jump in and do it! 🤓😘
I've not watched your channel before, but found this really helpful. I live in a small space: I am a knitter and spinner, and a would be sewer. I am in the process of de-cluttering, re-organising... this is helpful. Thank you.
I'm so glad this video was helpful for you, Nicola! ❤️ And welcome to my channel---I'm so glad you found me! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I started with a Skarsta table but upgraded to a Flexispot electronic adjustable height table, because it goes lower than the Skarsta to allow me to have my overlocker at the right height. If you want to move your Skarsta tables around you can swap the feet for castors that can be bought as an accessory for the Flexispot desks for around 30 dollars, that way you could put the desks together if you need a really large cutting space.
Oh that's spacious compared to mine!!
Oooff, LadyGray! Those small spaces are a struggle, aren't they? And the smaller they are, the more thoughtfulness they require--at least that's been my experience!
@@TheCatBirdQuilts well, I HAD an actual sewing/crafts room, but then our son moved back home to live & work from home, so there went my sewing/crafts room AND our office! 🤷♀️
I love to listen to you. You make me happy.
Oh my goodness, thank you, Deborah! ❤️
What a nice transformation. I have taken over the kitchen table. There is no other space for my sewing area. This video is timely. I’m trying to reorganize my little space and all the horizontal storage spaces. lol. That means the furniture in our living room. As an aside, I love the little block on your design wall. ❤🎉
A lovely makeover. So functional!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🥰
Thank you, Charity! ❤️ It is VERY functional now---and of course that makes me realize how DYSfunctional it was before!! 😱
I think l followed most of the video, the room is small but you chose furnishings that fit the space and allows you to do the work of sewing and quilting the way you like. You approach your work with minimalist design and keep visual clutter to a minimum. Nice job.
Thank you, Angela! And thanks for watching and commenting! 😊
It looks lovely and so easy to work in. Small spaces can be great: everything is close to hand.
I have found that Command hooks of all sizes and materials are a huge help. My snips hang on very small hooks just under the flywheel of my 2 sewing machines, always ready and they don’t fall off the table. I put up some pairs of larger one that hold fabric that I want to use but need to see it near the stash to let it play with other fabrics and my imagination. The picture hanging type hold up my design wall. And they won’t hurt your beautiful new paint.
Thanks so much for your videos - even though I have many, many wips, I’m going shopping for shirts and eyeing my grandmother’s white linen tablecloth that we never use.
Thank you, Barbara! ❤️ And yes, small spaces can be great if it's done thoughtfully! I love your idea command hooks for snips and fabric! So smart!!
Be warned: if you ever get started on shirts, you'll be hooked!😉
Thanks for sharing your space. We’d never have guessed how small it is. I know you are enjoying its revamp. Also, Paul does a great job with your videos.
Thank you, Dedra! And I know, right?! It looks SO much bigger on camera than it really is! 😱 I agree, Paul does a great job---his captions and photo inserts and general sense of humor make me seem SO much funnier than I really am! 🥰
Very inspiring to me! I am stuck in the hell hole of my sewing space and I'm not sure how to dig myself out, but perhaps I have a first step. For me it will be getting rid of a hand-me-down round table that I have used far too long as a cutting table. It's going out to the curb! At least then I can think about getting rectangle tables that may fit into a work triangle someday. I love that you have no music and speak clearly. May God Bless your channel and you💙
I'm sooo excited for you! Organization is a MUST in my world- especially in my creative world. I LOVE your new space. It's obvious that you put a lot of thought in to it and hubby put a lot of physical work into it. How wonderful to have a person in your life that supports your endeavors. Enjoy, my friend!
Aww, thank you, Betty!! I am VERY fortunate to have Paul supporting my creative pursuits for sure!!
Thanks for passing along your reasoning for your arrangement of your sewing room!
Love the excitement for the new arrangements. So cute.
Thank you, Kimberly! ❤️
You are SO delightful! I am on the same wavelength as you regarding the tomato pin cushion. I have several of my mother's things that do not serve any purpose but bring me comfort and joy.
Aww, thank you!!
I empathize completely. My space is 7.5 feet wide and has two entrance ways, located diagonally from one another at opposite ends. It is longer than the space you have but very awkward to work in. I have spent about two years, working out a plan and redoing the space, but I am not done. So nice to see your achievement.
Thank you, Ruth! I feel so understood because your space sounds like mine! Having that walking path right through the space is tough!!
This is so very nice to see your space. I love your organization and explanation. Thank you for sharing this with us.😊🪡🧵✂️🦓
Thank you, Liz! ❤️
The triangle theory applies in the kitchen also:
fridge, sink & stove.
I too love using sheets for backing my quilts.
It is so nice to have an inspiring space to create.
Yes! And the better laid out BOTH sewing spaces and kitchen, the more enjoyable and better both function---which is the whole point, isn't it? 🤓 Thanks for watching and commenting, Renee! ❤️
I was just wondering when you would put up another video. 👍🏼
Sew-jo is my new favorite word!!!
I treated myself to those Guggenheim shears this year. They break down a pair of jeans with little effort and no scissor blisters!
Debbie, yes!! 😍🤩
Good morning Cathy, I love your sewing space make over. You are so right the new color is very relaxing. Love your new cutting table, and cabinet for storage, great job! I also have a small space, it was my oldest sons room, which was my office when we were working from home, exercise room and now also my sewing room, it is a little busy, but when I am sewing all of those things are behind me, so I can pretend it’s only my sewing room 🥰 thank you for sharing with us!
Thank you, Debbie! I relate to turning away from the mess---at my sewing table I face my kitchen! 😱 I'm sure I don't have to tell you that I often choose sewing over cleaning! 😂
This was incredibly inspiring, as my knitting/sewing/all-the-things room is exactly 8x9! I better get an Ikea list started. 😅
Looks wonderful. I have a large custom- built studio in my retirement home and I still got a couple of ideas I can implement immediately that will improve things. It is so easy to get used to your original setup and stop seeing room for improvement. (I have my large and small rulers on one of those racks and have added some so they don’t all fit well and it’s a constant shuffle. And my basting pins are in multiple small boxes in a drawer instead of one big jar on a shelf.). Those are things I can fix this afternoon! 😊
Thank you, Lorraine! ❤️ And I'm thrilled that you got some tips to use in your own space!! 🤓
Love love love this Cathy❤️ what a great idea!
I must confess to having a little bit of a scissors fetish too. I have my grandma's pinking shears, my mum's dress making scissors which I treasure. Then there's the other scissors and snips I've gotten over the years... And I totally get the sound of sharp scissors cutting through fabric 😂
Happy stitching in your new cosy quilting space xxx
Thank you, Kim!! I can totally see how your grandma's pinking shears and your mum's dress-making scissors would be SUCH a treasure! And THANK YOU for "getting" the scissors sound--I feel seen! ;)
Ditto to you both! @@TheCatBirdQuilts
I don’t have much more space than you! I did something very similar last January, and boy, did it make a difference! Enjoy your new set-up!!
Thank you, John! And ps, got the treat you sent!! OMG I was so excited and pleased! 🤩❤️ Expect a note from me in your post (hopefully soon!) 😘
I’m so glad it made it!! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do 😊😊
This is so nice following the way you are growing as a quilter!. This was me 30 years ago. Now I have California closets on one wall. And shelving you would have in you garage on another wall. And I need to arrange again. On the other wall. More shelves. Love it. But still needs cleaning up. Have a great day. Hugs from Tampa.
Aww, thank you, Laura! ❤️ It's funny how with every new stage (of our quilting journeys) new things are required: totes for fabric storage, shelves, a new table, etc! One day maybe I'll have a whole room of my own!
Oooo, I got the heavy scissors for Christmas. They are so good! I didn't realize how much of a difference it would make!
Lorna, me either!! Initially I was like, "well I already have scissors" and then I used them!! Whooo-eee---it is a delightful experience cutting those shirts now! ❤️
Inspirational Cathy! I love the idea of a triangle.
Thank you, Crystal! ❤️ I know, right?! Me too! It just helped me understand how I use my space.
The IKEA trolley is the Rashult . It is smaller than the Raskog. The wooden tops for each level are in the same department. I use them for the lower levels not the top one. The heavy duty magnetic clips I use to keep my gloves and lint roller are in the kitchen department as are the solid plastic hanging bins.
I have the exact same table in my small sewing space. Then I would crank it to its highest height for holidays to serve buffet style.
Oh cool! And that is super smart to use as a buffet! 🤓
Wow, great minds think alike. (lol) I am redoing my sewing space as well. Very slowly, but putting a lot of thought about what I want close, and what I can store elsewhere, what kind of storage works best, drawers, shelves, whatever. At this point it is the storm before the calm. I still have so much to go through and organize. Sometimes I sit in my chair and daydream, and then try to decide if it makes sense. Good thing I am the only one to use my space. Breathe deeply!
My first time watching one of your videos! I am very new to quilting. I smiled and laughed from the Guggenheim shears and scissors to IKEA furniture to thrifting sheets for quilt backs, and ziplocs. These things just make sense. Thank you for sharing a view of your sewing space with us.
Thank you, BlueSapphire! I'm so glad you found me and thank you for watching and commenting! ❤️
Great job on your space! 2024 is the year for me to declutter (see Karen at Just Get It Done Quilts), reorganize and be honest about my jewelry making supplies, various art supplies, other crafts and of course my sewing stashes. Space is finite and I only have so much time on earth, so something has to give. I am finding it liberating when I find space after decided that a particular craft doesn’t interest me anymore, or de-stashing a drawer, or my new, more convenient way to store fabric. Slow going but my goal is to eventually be as happy as you are with my sewing space.
I think I need some walls painted.
Nothing like seeing someone else's space to remind you to update your own, right?! We recently watched a home makeover show and I think that's what got the ball rolling for me! 🤓
I am so happy for you. What a good job you and your husband have done !!!
Thank you, Brenda!! ❤️
Looks great! Thank you for sharing your sweet space with us. Very inspirational. 😊
Happy New Year! I love the new wall colour. To me, it has a warm, pink undertone, very flattering. I am a little jealous of the new space organization. I can see it sparks joy! Beautiful organization and beautiful tools are so inspiring.
Happy New Year to you, too, Diane!❤️ It's easy to feel envious, but I promise you, it still has it's challenges--like, for example, sitting at my sewing machine looking into the kitchen and wondering why I didn't clean it up when I messed it up!! 😉😱😂
@@TheCatBirdQuilts LOL. Don't I know that. Sometimes you gotta shut it out and do what you want. Soon enough our hands become arthritic and our eyesight dims. So, play while you can. Have fun. Be balanced.
I love it..I sew in a 4 x 6 closet...it evolved over time with the help of my husband who installed floor to ceiling shelves on 2 walls..found a broken counter top in the trash at home depot..they sold it to me for 5$..he cut it to size and put it on a wall for my sewing machine...I cut at a card table in the room that the closet is in..I bought a computer chair at a used furniture store for 10$ and can turn around and reach anything I need in my "sewing room"..I made a small ironing table from a folding table and it fits under a shelf...it all works for me...I am working now on a string quilt made from mens shirts that has taken me 2 years to collect..mostly plaids and stripes..collected from my son and husband..I made the last block yesterday..on to next step now..love your new room and your videos!
Thank you, Rainstorm! I love the description of your "sewing room" and it just goes to show that even very small spaces can work beautifully if they are thoughtfully considered!!
So so happy for your “new” space . Well organized and more efficient!
I. LOVE. YOUR. SEWING. SPACE! It's organized, efficient and inviting! What a boost to your Sew -Jo!
Awww, thank you, Bonnie! ❤️ And I think it IS a boost to my sew-jo, and I didn't even know it needed a boost!
Good job! A cluttered space is a deterrent to create for sure
So glad I found you! I have been sewing/quilting since I was a child and all along the way I've been buying and using clothes made from beautiful fabric (like the Liberty of London blouse I just bought for $5) that I've bought in thrift stores, at tag sales etc! Love your channel and what you're doing 🥰😍
Aww, thank you, Jayne!! ($5 Liberty of London shirt---amazing find! 🤩) I'm so glad you found me!❤️
❤️🥰What a wonderful gift for such a creative person-a place that works and inspires creativity! Your family hit a home run with their thoughtful gift. I’m glad they had your input and help since these spaces are best when personalized to the person using them. I know your heart is full and your sew-jo is working overtime! Love that! 👏🏼👏🏼
Thank you, Shannon! And yes, my heart is SO full!
Love how you've arranged & improved your creative space. My sewing area is tiny like yours and stuffed to the gills! I recently got some shelving/bookcases which have helped but am really looking forward to summertime when I can take them outside to paint them to match the walls so that they don't visually clutter things up so much. Thanks for the inspiration and affirmation that it is worth spending time on one's environment.
Thank you, K! It really makes a difference removing that visual clutter---and I know exactly what you mean about painting shelves to match the walls! 🤓 Once that is done you'll be so relieved and enjoy your space so much more! ❤️ Thanks for watching and commenting!
My area is just inside the front door in a small alcove, 6’ by 9’ with my sewing cabinet facing a large window to the front yard. It’s small but I’ve made it work for almost 11 years now. Thank you for your additional tips.
Just love spending time with you 💕
Oh my goodness, thank you, Lainie! ❤️ I'm thankful to have you here with me in this space!
I’m set up in my front entrance hallway with a folding table and my new to me “Brother Dream machine”. This is where I’ve been sewing for the last 6 months. have a very large room upstairs that was supposed to be my sewing room. It is just a storage room for fabric & sewing supplies. I need to start emptying the room and make it truly my sewing room. Thanks for the inspiration.
Kathleen, let this be your inspiration to get that room cleared out and ready for use! The sooner you get it done, the sooner you can be truly settled in your happy sewing place! ❤️🤓 (I wish I had done mine earlier!!)
You are fun to watch, I learn things, and get ideas. I have the same color of paint in my living room, the paint brand calls it putty!
Thanks, T!
Congratulations. I’m sure this new design will bring you much joy in your work! What a treat to come home and have someone else have painted for you! PS - I have switched to sheets for backing and LOVE it!
Thank you, Caitlin! ❤️ It was SUCH a treat!
I also got a bedroom that is hardly ever used turned into my sewing room. We also live in a modest home, so my sewing space was the dinning room table. My sweet husband constructed a sewing table from a desk we have had since seminary days .( 1984). I now call this bedroom ( yes we bought a trundle bed and got rid of the old dresser n bed) I have pics of my art, my 5 yr old photo, a tree of hands I painted with all our grandchildren on it and a beautiful painting a friend gave me. I created a triangle as well. I spent 20$ at a thrift store with sheets for backing, I think it’s about 10 yds worth!
I call this my “My happy place.” This morning my sweet husband sent me a text and told me to enjoy being in my happy place! 😊
So enjoy your happy place!
Thank you, Debi! It's so great to have a place that can be "my happy place!"
Wow! Great job on the make-over and making the most of the space you have. I can see and appreciate how wonderful it is to have it beautiful and functional. May this new year be a joyful and productive one for you!
Aww, thank you Rozylass! ❤️
My Guggenheim scissor are a favorite but only used for special fabric. They are that special to me!
I totally get that!!
Good for you Cathy! You’re motivating me to go clean up my sewing room! I have a pair of those Guggenheim scissors and they are fabulous!! I also have a pair of their snips and I love them ❤ They have a lovely loop at the handle so they hang on a little command hook to my right just underneath the top of the sewing desk. Love it!
Thanks, Adrienne! And of course I’ve already got piles of fabric and scraps EVERYWHERE! 😂
Thank you for this video, I appreciate your thoughts and find it inspiring. Especially, in the way you embraced and maximised the amount of space you have rather than trying to find or longing for a bigger one.
I have a perspective on small space sewing that might interest you.
Every three months, I rotate living on a 57ft long x 6ft wide narrowboat travelling the English canal system, with exploring Europe by road in a campervan.
Whilst travelling in the boat, I sew with a machine and in the van, I sew by hand.
There is something very empowering and freeing, sewing in such restricted spaces.
I take pleasure in the systems I have created and oddly, I find the required discipline brings me peace of mind.
So for me, not only is the space always small, but it is also only intermittently available. When it isn't I use this time to plan, work out patterns ( getting my husband to check the maths), play with colour, to look at quilt exhibitions online, and not least to watch CZcams video about quilting.
Lastly and funnily, when I return to our tiny boat it feels enormous, like a palace - just proving our perception of space is all relative.
Thank you, Trish!❤️ And YES, I DID find your perspective interesting--and also inspiring! What a wonderful approach and perspective, and also a reminder that contentment is not dependent on external circumstances but internal gratitude and the meaning/purpose we assign to our lives.🤓😊❤️
I came across one of your video's yesterday and I can't stop watching you! I love how you thrift and break the price down for us sewest (new word for me). You said you're from the south. I was wondering where. I'm in Texas. My favorite thrift store is the Salvation Army on half price day😊.
Love, love , love!! I am a kitchen table quilter but hoping that changes this year! It’s good to hear you like your new scissors, I ordered a pair the other day but haven’t had time to try them. Thank goodness your back!! ❤
Thank you, Veronica! ❤️ I'm so glad to be back!
Loved your video. Very motivating to those of us who have small spaces . You are very funny and very smart i am sure. You are the only one however who could say "scissor scissors " and that other "d" word that i cannot remember in th same conversation.😂 Love the editing. Enjoy your happy place.
Thank you, Deborah! I'm glad you enjoyed the video (and the captions that my husband adds!) And yes, "scissor scissors" and "detritus" in the same vocabulary and conversation is 100% me!! LOL
Really enjoyed how you explained the transformation of your workspace. I live in the Netherlands in a small townhouse. I have one spare bedroom for dressing myself, having the granddaughters sleep in and do my sewing. It’s about 8 x 10 feet wide. Thank goodness we have IKEA too 😀. I love my happy place, and you make work what’s possible. The quilts are just as pretty when made with pleasure and love 😊.
Thank you, Marie! ❤️ And yes, I think we are all grateful for IKEA! "You make work what's possible"--yes yes yes!! I couldn't agree more. Here we say, "Where there's a will, there's a way!" Thanks for watching and for commenting and I agree wholeheartedly: quilts made with pleasure and love are so very beautiful!
I love your space! My space is always in flux. But, like you, I have things in my space that just make me smile. Congratulations!
Thank you, Deborah! ❤️ Mine really is too, as the things in my life changes, my space has to change with it!! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Happy New Year! Love the new "peaceful neutral" wall color and your fun inspirational items (art and clothes pin doll) on your new shelf placement! ❤ 🙂
Thank you, Giselle! ❤️ And a Happy New Year to you, too!!
Such fun to see your transformed space. Awesome work! A real quilt spirit cleanser I'm sure. Great to have you back on Fridays too! Happy New Year!😀
Thank you, Laura! ❤️ It's great to be back!
Love your humour and the advice.
Thanks, Cathy - enjoyed your video immensely! This was my first time watching and I've subscribed as I anticipate additional time spent with CatBird Quilts! You have definitely made this space your own and it's lovely. Excited to see what you will be working on this new year.
Oh my goodness, thank you, Marti! ❤️ I look forward to having you with me along my quilting and YT journey! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I completely understand the small workspace. I use a lot of pegboards and literally wall to wall built in desks. My sewing room is just over 5ft by 8ft (so the shorter length of your room is the longer side, and the shorter is just a bit longer than your wingspan). Utilizing vertical wall space has really been the key to optimizing my space. I have built in desks on 3 of the walls with an office chair in the center that I can just turn to use the different surfaces. I had other desks in here previously, but like you I had to start over from the ground up. I have a lot of plastic drawer storage with labels, and shelving that they sit on. anything that I need regularly is within arms reach of my chair, so there are some major benefits to such a small space, but the down side is if I have very large pieces I need to cut, I still have to take them to the dining room table. I do love the neutral of your room. I went with more on the grey side, but still very neutral. I think it's really nice to have your calm color in your work space.
Excellent video, many ideas and inspiration!
So happy for you! I organized my studio recently and it certainly is liberating.
Liberating is really the word, isn't it?! Even in a mustard-colored room! 😘
Loved your video and your improvements to your sewing area. Especially loved how excited you were about your space. I have a TINY bedroom for my sewing room and wouldn’t trade it for anything. I need to use some of your solutions to better organize my space. Thanks so much.
Thank you, Judy! I do think that small sewing rooms rock---once organized well, they are just so efficient and easy to work in!
Yay!!! What a wonderfully thought out, functional, creative-inspiring, calm, and organized sewing space! I’ve slowly been catching up with your videos because I’ve been very busy decluttering and organizing our whole house and my sewing space (my oldest daughter’s bedroom, just a smidge bigger than your space) as well. I was so tired of seeing so much visual clutter everywhere and I really wanted to clear things out and organize things so that I could “breathe” and enjoy housekeeping and being creative in a calmer space. I still need to paint the walls in my sewing room, (they’re currently a Winnie-the-Pooh golden honey yellow) and, because my furniture, etc. is neutral, I love the neutral paint color idea too. Sadly, neither my mother or grandmothers sewed so I only have my almost 50 year old (I started sewing when I was a teenager ☺️) tomato pincushion and I’ve brought it out and set it next to my sewing machine as a reminder of how far I’ve come in my sewing journey. Thank you for reminding me to cherish precious memories even if they’re just my own. Looking forward to all the next videos that I need to catch up with!!! Have a wonderful week and weekend!
Thank you, Rhonda! ❤️ It sounds like you and I are in the same headspace---I need to do to the rest of my house what we've done to my sewing space! It makes me so happy that you've pulled out your tomato pincushion! 😊 Just remember, your daughter now has a legacy of a mother that sews---so in your family, you're the start of it! 😘🥰🤩 What a gift!
Beautiful space! So happy for you! Enjoy! 💕
Thank you, Cassie!❤️
I found this so helpful and informative. Now to get my sewing space re-vamped! Thank you so much.
Oh yay! Thank you, Lin! And good look on reworking your space!
Thank you for the wonderful video! I hadn't fully watched it and I was putting together a new sewing space! My space will be about the same size as yours. I loved everything about this video and will definitely put your suggestions to use. Stay blessed!
Oh thank you, Deborah! ❤️ I'm glad it was helpful and good luck and congrats on YOUR new sewing space!! Thank you for the blessing and right back to you! 😘
I've had a pair of Gugenhein shears and a pair of scissors for about 3 years now and they are an absolute joy! I bought pairs for my niece and great niece who have sworn that we will have to pry them from their cold, dead hands, lol!
Bobbie, I've only had mine since Christmas and I've thought that exact phrase already!!😂